Thank you, beloved and generous UUSS community for the many gifts of our cherished annual auction. Our first live and in-person auction, raffle and dinner in 3 years was a very happy occasion of great food, fellowship and fundraising. Thank you to every volunteer who helped make it happen!

Silent online auction bidding closed last night amid some “fast and furious” out-bidding for dinner parties, service items, birding hikes, etc. Statement emails are expected to go out on Tuesday or Wednesday, and then you will be able to check out and pay your bill on the auction website. While I am not at liberty to divulge the exact amount raised by the auction, I can say that it was likely between $30 and $40,000.

But the gifts of our auction do not end merely with the important funds raised to support our vital mission and our programs. The many social events and services that were auctioned off this past weekend will continue spreading like ripples in a pool to bring people together, nurture connections, and bring smiles, week after week, month after month, throughout the year.